Hull KR's Lewis named 2024 Man of Steel

Mikey Lewis stands with his hands on his headImage source, SWPix
Image caption,

Mikey Lewis is the first Hull KR player to win the Man of Steel award since 1986

Hull KR and England half-back Mikey Lewis has been named the 2024 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel.

The 23-year-old helped Hull KR to second in the Super League table during a transformative season for the club which saw them reach their first Super League Grand Final this Saturday.

Lewis, who scored 19 tries for the team this season, has become the first Hull KR player since Gavin Miller in 1986 to win the award.

He was presented with the trophy during a ceremony at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Tuesday night.

The award, which was named after the late Steve Prescott in 2014, has been running since 1977 when Leeds hooker David Ward received the inaugural trophy.

York Valkyrie's Georgie Hetherington won the Woman of Steel award for the first time, after a standout season that saw her side retain their Women's Super League crown in the Grand Final last Saturday.

Analysis - 'A superstar for years to come'

Matt Newsum, BBC Sport rugby league reporter

Hull KR have enjoyed their greatest season since 1985 with a Grand Final appearance and a second-placed finish in Super League, and Lewis has had his fingerprints all over their success.

The Hull-born playmaker has been a stellar performer in 2024 - marrying his aggression, toughness and tenacity in defence with a craftsman's eye to score 19 and create 24 tries for the Robins.

He has matured so that, while he remains spiky and has that little bit of swagger, he largely does not get involved in the flashpoints that once threatened to put him off his game.

At 23, he can be a superstar for years to come but this has been his season to break into the genuine elite and deliver on the promise.

His biggest game will be Saturday's Grand Final and this win is the perfect inspiration for him to again shine on the big stage.